Unbeaten prospect Charles Martin did what he had to do on the non-televised ShoBox undercard on Friday in Cabazon, California, dispatching 41 year-old fattened-up super middleweight Damon McCreary late in the first round. I was able to find a youtube video of the last few seconds of the fight, and it appears that Martin caught McCreary coming in reckless, with a southpaw counter left hand high on the head. Martin pretty much had to win by stoppage inside of 2 rounds to avoid negative comparisons to Deontay Wilder and even cruiserweight Jordan Shimmell, both of whom took care of McCreary within 2. No changes this week.

Dan’s Top 20 (Weeks in current position-weeks in top 10 (if applicable)-weeks in top 20)Champ: Wladimir Klitschko (290-503-503)Last Fight: 11/15/2014- KO5 #5 Kubrat PulevNext Fight: 4/25/2015- vs. #17 Bryant JenningsKlitschko-Jennings is on, and figures to be a fairly average defense for the Champ.1) Tyson Fury (48-48-48)Last Fight: 11/29/2014- RTD10 #6 Dereck ChisoraNext Fight: 2/28/2015- vs. Christian Hammer (UNR)Christian Hammer is a very beatable gatekeeper, but did look good in his last fight, and is probably about a class better than you’d expect a guy with a mandatory championship shot coming his way to stay busy against.2) Alexander Povetkin (33-377-377)Last Fight: 10/24/2014- KO10 #7 Carlos TakamNext Fight: UnknownNothing has been signed yet, but the WBC has given approval for Povetkin to fight an eliminator with Mike Perez.3) Vyacheslav Glazkov (33-44-108)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- TKO7 Darnell Wilson (UNR)Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #9 Steve CunninghamWith Main Events behind both fighters, you could almost see this one coming. Glazkov will take on Steve Cunningham, likely on NBC Sports, in March.4) Amir Mansour (41-41-41)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- KO7 Fred Kassi (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownMansour’s power was brought to bear on the mediocre Kassi, who did a good job of hanging in there- perhaps for longer than most expected while losing every round.5) Kubrat Pulev (48-141-218)Last Fight: 11/15/2014- L (KO5) vs. Champ Wladimir KlitschkoNext Fight: UnknownBack to the drawing board for the Bulgarian. He at least mounted an attack. That’s more than some challengers can say.6) Carlos Takam (7-32-52)Last Fight: 10/24/2014- L (KO10) vs. #2 Alexander PovetkinNext Fight: UnknownTakam found the ceiling on his rise to the top in #2 Povetkin. He actually appeared more than a match for the Russian early in the fight, but couldn’t hang in the later rounds.7) Dereck Chisora (7-163-226)Last Fight: 11/29/2014- L (RTD10) vs. #1 Tyson FuryNext Fight: UnknownChisora apparently doesn’t want to leave the bad taste in his mouth from his last performance, as he is reportedly planning to fight again on February 28. He is also said to be splitting from trainer Don Charles.8) Bermane Stiverne (32-36-98)Last Fight: 5/10/2014- TKO6 #13 Chris ArreolaNext Fight: 1/17/2015- vs. #12 Deontay WilderStiverne-Wilder is finally set for January 17 at the MGM Grand in Vegas, it would appear.9) Steve Cunningham (32-108-108)Last Fight: 10/18/2014- W (RTD7) vs. Natu Visinia (UNR)Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #3 Vyacheslav GlazkovSee Glazkov’s notes, above.10) Tony Thompson (32-43-242)Last Fight: 6/6/2014- L (UD12) vs. #12 Carlos TakamNext Fight: 1/24/2015 – vs. #11 Odlanier SolisMaybe the third time will be the charm. Thompson-Solis II gets its 3rd intended date on January 24.11) Odlanier Solis (10-242)Last Fight: 3/22/2014- L* (SD12) vs. #13 Tony ThompsonNext Fight: 1/24/2015- vs. #10 Tony ThompsonSee Thompson’s notes, above.12) Deontay Wilder (10-90)Last Fight: 8/16/2014- W(RTD4) vs. Jason Gavern (UNR)Next Fight: 1/17/2015 – vs. #8 Bermane Stiverne See Stiverne’s notes, above.13) Chris Arreola (10-71)Last Fight: 5/10/2014- L (TKO6) vs. #12 Bermane StiverneNext Fight: UnknownArreola advised Boxingscene.com that he’s likely back in late January or February, and called out Antonio Tarver, as well.14) Malik Scott (10-19)Last Fight: 10/31/2014- UD10 #16 Alex LeapaiNext Fight: UnknownAfter an apparently dominant win over Leapai, Scott is probably back in the mix for some sort of big fight.15) Erkan Teper (10-72)Last Fight: 6/13/2014- RTD6 Newfel Ouatah (UNR)Next Fight:UnknownTeper will most likely fight France’s Johann Duhaupas at some point, but the fight has been postponed to a later date due to Teper having his appendix out.16) Antonio Tarver (5-5)Last Fight: 12/11/2014- TKO7 Johnathon Banks (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownTarver has recently challenged a comebacking David Haye.17) Bryant Jennings (4-25)Last Fight: 7/26/2014- W* (SD12) vs. Mike Perez (UNR)Next Fight: 4/25/2015- vs. Champ Wladimir KlitschkoJennings has got his shot at Klitschko for April 25. Almost certanily too soon for him, given his mediocre last performance against Perez.18) Artur Szpilka (4-10)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- W (UD10) vs. #11 Tomasz AdamekNext Fight: 3/?/2015- vs. Unknown OpponentSzpilka was originally due back on January 31, but after signing with Al Haymon, it appears he’s pushed that back to a Showtime card in late March.19) Mike Perez (4-25)Last Fight: 7/26/2014- L* (SD12) vs. Bryant Jennings (UNR)Next Fight: 2/5/2015- vs. Unknown OpponentPerez looks like he’s on his way to a fight with Povetkin, but will stay busy against an unknown opponent on February 5.20) Alex Leapai (4-4)Last Fight: 10/31/2014- L (UD10) vs. #20 Malik ScottNext Fight: Unknown

THE WEEK AHEAD:Saturday#8 Bermane Stiverne vs. #12 Deontay Wilder; Las Vegas, NV; ESPNIn the first major heavyweight fight of 2016, two rising stars with plenty of knockout power compete for the alphabet belt vacated by Vitali Klitschko and picked up by Stiverne in his rematch with Arreola. It’s being billed as the return of heavyweight title boxing to basic cable. It’s an interesting matchup with plenty of potential for fireworks.

Eric Molina vs. TBA; Las Vegas, NV; Off TVMolina has the distinct edge against TBA, who rarely wins, and never does so under his own name.

37 year-old whippersnapper Zoltan Csala won the battle of the Zoltans (sounds like a really bad sci-fi film, right?) in Budapest on Monday, lifting 48 year-old Zoltan Petranyi’s Hungarian title and halting the career momentum that remarkably had his ancient countryman in the top 50 for the first time in his career. Maybe it was as much opportunism as ability, but the 3rd round knockout gives Csala, at only 6-0, a real prospect and minor player on the world stage. No changes to the rankings.

Dan’s Top 20 (Weeks in current position-weeks in top 10 (if applicable)-weeks in top 20)Champ: Wladimir Klitschko (289-502-502)Last Fight: 11/15/2014- KO5 #5 Kubrat PulevNext Fight: 4/25/2015- vs. #17 Bryant JenningsKlitschko-Jennings is on, and figures to be a fairly average defense for the Champ.1) Tyson Fury (47-47-47)Last Fight: 11/29/2014- RTD10 #6 Dereck ChisoraNext Fight: 2/28/2015- vs. Christian Hammer (UNR)Christian Hammer is a very beatable gatekeeper, but did look good in his last fight, and is probably about a class better than you’d expect a guy with a mandatory championship shot coming his way to stay busy against.2) Alexander Povetkin (32-376-376)Last Fight: 10/24/2014- KO10 #7 Carlos TakamNext Fight: UnknownNothing has been signed yet, but the WBC has given approval for Povetkin to fight an eliminator with Mike Perez.3) Vyacheslav Glazkov (32-43-107)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- TKO7 Darnell Wilson (UNR)Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #9 Steve CunninghamWith Main Events behind both fighters, you could almost see this one coming. Glazkov will take on Steve Cunningham, likely on NBC Sports, in March.4) Amir Mansour (40-40-40)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- KO7 Fred Kassi (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownMansour’s power was brought to bear on the mediocre Kassi, who did a good job of hanging in there- perhaps for longer than most expected while losing every round.5) Kubrat Pulev (47-140-217)Last Fight: 11/15/2014- L (KO5) vs. Champ Wladimir KlitschkoNext Fight: UnknownBack to the drawing board for the Bulgarian. He at least mounted an attack. That’s more than some challengers can say.6) Carlos Takam (6-31-51)Last Fight: 10/24/2014- L (KO10) vs. #2 Alexander PovetkinNext Fight: UnknownTakam found the ceiling on his rise to the top in #2 Povetkin. He actually appeared more than a match for the Russian early in the fight, but couldn’t hang in the later rounds.7) Dereck Chisora (6-162-225)Last Fight: 11/29/2014- L (RTD10) vs. #1 Tyson FuryNext Fight: UnknownChisora apparently doesn’t want to leave the bad taste in his mouth from his last performance, as he is reportedly planning to fight again on February 28. He is also said to be splitting from trainer Don Charles.8) Bermane Stiverne (31-35-97)Last Fight: 5/10/2014- TKO6 #13 Chris ArreolaNext Fight: 1/17/2015- vs. #12 Deontay WilderStiverne-Wilder is finally set for January 17 at the MGM Grand in Vegas, it would appear.9) Steve Cunningham (31-107-107)Last Fight: 10/18/2014- W (RTD7) vs. Natu Visinia (UNR)Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #3 Vyacheslav GlazkovSee Glazkov’s notes, above.10) Tony Thompson (31-42-241)Last Fight: 6/6/2014- L (UD12) vs. #12 Carlos TakamNext Fight: 1/24/2015 – vs. #11 Odlanier SolisMaybe the third time will be the charm. Thompson-Solis II gets its 3rd intended date on January 24.11) Odlanier Solis (9-241)Last Fight: 3/22/2014- L* (SD12) vs. #13 Tony ThompsonNext Fight: 1/24/2015- vs. #10 Tony ThompsonSee Thompson’s notes, above.12) Deontay Wilder (9-89)Last Fight: 8/16/2014- W(RTD4) vs. Jason Gavern (UNR)Next Fight: 1/17/2015 – vs. #8 Bermane Stiverne See Stiverne’s notes, above.13) Chris Arreola (9-70)Last Fight: 5/10/2014- L (TKO6) vs. #12 Bermane StiverneNext Fight: UnknownArreola advised Boxingscene.com that he’s likely back in late January or February, and called out Antonio Tarver, as well.14) Malik Scott (9-18)Last Fight: 10/31/2014- UD10 #16 Alex LeapaiNext Fight: UnknownAfter an apparently dominant win over Leapai, Scott is probably back in the mix for some sort of big fight.15) Erkan Teper (9-71)Last Fight: 6/13/2014- RTD6 Newfel Ouatah (UNR)Next Fight:UnknownTeper will most likely fight France’s Johann Duhaupas at some point, but the fight has been postponed to a later date due to Teper having his appendix out.16) Antonio Tarver (4-4)Last Fight: 12/11/2014- TKO7 Johnathon Banks (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownTarver has recently challenged a comebacking David Haye.17) Bryant Jennings (3-24)Last Fight: 7/26/2014- W* (SD12) vs. Mike Perez (UNR)Next Fight: 4/25/2015- vs. Champ Wladimir KlitschkoJennings has got his shot at Klitschko for April 25. Almost certanily too soon for him, given his mediocre last performance against Perez.18) Artur Szpilka (3-9)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- W (UD10) vs. #11 Tomasz AdamekNext Fight: 1/31/2015- vs. Unknown OpponentSzpilka returned to camp just a week after the Adamek fight, as he is planning a return for January 31 in Torun, Poland.19) Mike Perez (3-24)Last Fight: 7/26/2014- L* (SD12) vs. Bryant Jennings (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownPerez looks like he’s on his way to a fight with Povetkin.20) Alex Leapai (3-3)Last Fight: 10/31/2014- L (UD10) vs. #20 Malik ScottNext Fight: Unknown

THE WEEK AHEAD:FridayCharles Martin vs. Damon McCreary; Cabazon, California; Off TVMartin is a rising prospect from St. Louis. McCreary has a decent enough record at 15-3, but it’s a very hollow 15-3. First, he’s really just a fattened-up super middleweight. He’s been in with Deontay Wilder and cruiserweight prospect Jordan Shimmell, but was blown out in 2 rounds by both. He did go the 6-round distance in an apparently competitive fight with unbeaten Ali Mansour, but Mansour hasn’t fought anyone before or since. At 41, he does have two decent wins in his career, but those were about 15 years ago and at light heavyweight or below. If Martin wants to make any kind of point with this fight, he’s gotta make a short night of it like Wilder and Shimmell did. Because of McCreary’s mediocrity, I am guessing this won’t make the ShoBox telecast.

Dan’s Top 20 (Weeks in current position-weeks in top 10 (if applicable)-weeks in top 20)Champ: Wladimir Klitschko (288-501-501)Last Fight: 11/15/2014- KO5 #5 Kubrat PulevNext Fight: 4/25/2015- vs. #17 Bryant JenningsKlitschko-Jennings is on, and figures to be a fairly average defense for the Champ.1) Tyson Fury (46-46-46)Last Fight: 11/29/2014- RTD10 #6 Dereck ChisoraNext Fight: 2/28/2015- vs. Christian Hammer (UNR)Christian Hammer is a very beatable gatekeeper, but did look good in his last fight, and is probably about a class better than you’d expect a guy with a mandatory championship shot coming his way to stay busy against.2) Alexander Povetkin (31-375-375)Last Fight: 10/24/2014- KO10 #7 Carlos TakamNext Fight: UnknownNothing has been signed yet, but the WBC has given approval for Povetkin to fight an eliminator with Mike Perez.3) Vyacheslav Glazkov (31-42-106)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- TKO7 Darnell Wilson (UNR)Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #9 Steve CunninghamWith Main Events behind both fighters, you could almost see this one coming. Glazkov will take on Steve Cunningham, likely on NBC Sports, in March.4) Amir Mansour (39-39-39)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- KO7 Fred Kassi (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownMansour’s power was brought to bear on the mediocre Kassi, who did a good job of hanging in there- perhaps for longer than most expected while losing every round.5) Kubrat Pulev (46-139-216)Last Fight: 11/15/2014- L (KO5) vs. Champ Wladimir KlitschkoNext Fight: UnknownBack to the drawing board for the Bulgarian. He at least mounted an attack. That’s more than some challengers can say.6) Carlos Takam (5-30-50)Last Fight: 10/24/2014- L (KO10) vs. #2 Alexander PovetkinNext Fight: UnknownTakam found the ceiling on his rise to the top in #2 Povetkin. He actually appeared more than a match for the Russian early in the fight, but couldn’t hang in the later rounds.7) Dereck Chisora (5-161-224)Last Fight: 11/29/2014- L (RTD10) vs. #1 Tyson FuryNext Fight: UnknownChisora apparently doesn’t want to leave the bad taste in his mouth from his last performance, as he is reportedly planning to fight again on February 28. He is also said to be splitting from trainer Don Charles.8) Bermane Stiverne (30-34-96)Last Fight: 5/10/2014- TKO6 #13 Chris ArreolaNext Fight: 1/17/2015- vs. #12 Deontay WilderStiverne-Wilder is finally set for January 17 at the MGM Grand in Vegas, it would appear.9) Steve Cunningham (30-106-106)Last Fight: 10/18/2014- W (RTD7) vs. Natu Visinia (UNR)Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #3 Vyacheslav GlazkovSee Glazkov’s notes, above.10) Tony Thompson (30-41-240)Last Fight: 6/6/2014- L (UD12) vs. #12 Carlos TakamNext Fight: 1/24/2015 – vs. #11 Odlanier SolisMaybe the third time will be the charm. Thompson-Solis II gets its 3rd intended date on January 24.11) Odlanier Solis (8-240)Last Fight: 3/22/2014- L* (SD12) vs. #13 Tony ThompsonNext Fight: UnknownSee Thompson’s notes, above.12) Deontay Wilder (8-88)Last Fight: 8/16/2014- W(RTD4) vs. Jason Gavern (UNR)Next Fight: 1/17/2015 – vs. #8 Bermane Stiverne See Stiverne’s notes, above.13) Chris Arreola (8-69)Last Fight: 5/10/2014- L (TKO6) vs. #12 Bermane StiverneNext Fight: UnknownArreola advised Boxingscene.com that he’s likely back in late January or February, and called out Antonio Tarver, as well.14) Malik Scott (8-17)Last Fight: 10/31/2014- UD10 #16 Alex LeapaiNext Fight: UnknownAfter an apparently dominant win over Leapai, Scott is probably back in the mix for some sort of big fight.15) Erkan Teper (8-70)Last Fight: 6/13/2014- RTD6 Newfel Ouatah (UNR)Next Fight:UnknownTeper will most likely fight France’s Johann Duhaupas at some point, but the fight has been postponed to a later date due to Teper having his appendix out.16) Antonio Tarver (3-3)Last Fight: 12/11/2014- TKO7 Johnathon Banks (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownTarver has recently challenged a comebacking David Haye.17) Bryant Jennings (2-23)Last Fight: 7/26/2014- W* (SD12) vs. Mike Perez (UNR)Next Fight: 4/25/2015- vs. Champ Wladimir KlitschkoJennings has got his shot at Klitschko for April 25. Almost certanily too soon for him, given his mediocre last performance against Perez.18) Artur Szpilka (2-8)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- W (UD10) vs. #11 Tomasz AdamekNext Fight: 1/31/2015- vs. Unknown OpponentSzpilka returned to camp just a week after the Adamek fight, as he is planning a return for January 31 in Torun, Poland.19) Mike Perez (2-23)Last Fight: 7/26/2014- L* (SD12) vs. Bryant Jennings (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownPerez looks like he’s on his way to a fight with Povetkin.20) Alex Leapai (2-2)Last Fight: 10/31/2014- L (UD10) vs. #20 Malik ScottNext Fight: Unknown

THE WEEK AHEAD:MondayZoltan Petranyi vs. Zoltan Csala; Budapest, Hungary; TV UnknownThe heavyweight year is capped off with a somewhat low-profile Hungarian Title fight between unproven 5-0 prospect Zoltan Csala and 48 year old Zoltan Petranyi, the ultimate late bloomer. And I’m not talking a guy who had a renaissance in his mid-30s and kept it going for a while. I’m talking a guy who did virtually nothing worthwhile in the sport until he was 47 years old and beat two consecutive top 100 guys to get into the top 50 himself. Csala is undefeated at 5-0 and probably the best available Hungarian, but marginally less proven than the last two. Csala, despite his record, is no spring chicken himself, coming in with 37 years under his belt.

Sergei Liakhovich seemed like fodder for the rise of #17 Andy Ruiz, a blue chip prospect despite his ridiculous obesity, but that didn’t really play out on Saturday in Phoenix. Ruiz was in terrible shape both in appearance and output. Liakhovich is not anywhere near the contender he was years ago. He was stopped by Helenius, then dominated and stopped by Bryant Jennings and knocked out in less than 2 minutes by Deontay Wilder in consecutive fights- his last three of any substance leading up to this. He didn’t necessarily look very good in this one either, often barely throwing any punches, but even when that was the case, Ruiz was visibly having trouble keeping up. Ruiz clearly won the first three rounds, and almost all of the rest of the fight was very close, but I scored it a draw personally. The judges were predictably slanted, with Gonzalo Valenzuela having it reasonable at 96-94, Chris Flores giving Ruiz every benefit of the doubt at 98-92, and Derek Zazuetta selling his judging soul to Ruiz at 99-91. Obviously it’s not a stretch to claim Ruiz won the fight, and it’s hard to feel too sorry for Liakhovich considering how little he did throughout the fight when just a simple consistent jab alone could have won it for him, but this is nevertheless the first dent in the Ruiz armor, and will seriously affect his standing here, if not elsewhere. For the record, if you gave either fighter all the debatable rounds, I think you could reasonably have had it anywhere between 98-92 for Ruiz and 97-93 for Liakhovich.

Backtracking to Thursday in Tokyo, a 5-8-2 fighter took Japanese Champion Kyotaro Fujimoto the 8-round distance on Thursday. That’s not a good look for a guy who theoretically is a prospect on the world stage, but it might not be that bad. First, he seems to have won every round. Second, his French opponent, David Radeff, appears to be one of those reasonably durable guys that only gets stopped by real punchers. Cruiserweight contender Youri Kalenga stopped him twice, and an unbeaten Armenian managed to get him out of there, as well. He’s at least gone the distance against everyone else.

Ruiz falls from the top 20 for the time being due to his poor performance. He’s still a real prospect in my eyes, but he’s just not as advanced as I once saw him. It may be that a little extra training is the only thing he’s lacking, but he was lacking it a great deal on Saturday. A clear win may have boosted Liakhovich back to prominence, but a debatable draw, not so much. He’s probably a low-30s guy at this point. Everyone ranked #18 and below last week advances (appropriately including Bryant Jennings, who himself easily handled Liakhovich), and Alex Leapai returns at #20 after only a one-week absence.

Dan’s Top 20 (Weeks in current position-weeks in top 10 (if applicable)-weeks in top 20)Champ: Wladimir Klitschko (287-500-500)Last Fight: 11/15/2014- KO5 #5 Kubrat PulevNext Fight: 4/25/2015- vs. Unknown OpponentKlitschko is officially fighting on April 25, and while his opponent is not as official, it’s widely believed that it will be Bryant Jennings.1) Tyson Fury (45-45-45)Last Fight: 11/29/2014- RTD10 #6 Dereck ChisoraNext Fight: 2/28/2015- vs. Unknown OpponentFury wants Klitschko and has a mandatory position for that fight at some point. He’ll be likely just staying busy on February 28 in London.2) Alexander Povetkin (30-374-374)Last Fight: 10/24/2014- KO10 #7 Carlos TakamNext Fight: UnknownNothing has been signed yet, but the WBC has given approval for Povetkin to fight an eliminator with Mike Perez.3) Vyacheslav Glazkov (30-41-105)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- TKO7 Darnell Wilson (UNR)Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #9 Steve CunninghamWith Main Events behind both fighters, you could almost see this one coming. Glazkov will take on Steve Cunningham, likely on NBC Sports, in March.4) Amir Mansour (38-38-38)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- KO7 Fred Kassi (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownMansour’s power was brought to bear on the mediocre Kassi, who did a good job of hanging in there- perhaps for longer than most expected while losing every round.5) Kubrat Pulev (45-138-215)Last Fight: 11/15/2014- L (KO5) vs. Champ Wladimir KlitschkoNext Fight: UnknownBack to the drawing board for the Bulgarian. He at least mounted an attack. That’s more than some challengers can say.6) Carlos Takam (4-29-49)Last Fight: 10/24/2014- L (KO10) vs. #2 Alexander PovetkinNext Fight: UnknownTakam found the ceiling on his rise to the top in #2 Povetkin. He actually appeared more than a match for the Russian early in the fight, but couldn’t hang in the later rounds.7) Dereck Chisora (4-160-223)Last Fight: 11/29/2014- L (RTD10) vs. #1 Tyson FuryNext Fight: UnknownChisora apparently doesn’t want to leave the bad taste in his mouth from his last performance, as he is reportedly planning to fight again on February 28. He is also said to be splitting from trainer Don Charles.8) Bermane Stiverne (29-33-95)Last Fight: 5/10/2014- TKO6 #13 Chris ArreolaNext Fight: 1/17/2015- vs. #12 Deontay WilderStiverne-Wilder is finally set for January 17 at the MGM Grand in Vegas, it would appear.9) Steve Cunningham (29-105-105)Last Fight: 10/18/2014- W (RTD7) vs. Natu Visinia (UNR)Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #3 Vyacheslav GlazkovSee Glazkov’s notes, above.10) Tony Thompson (29-40-239)Last Fight: 6/6/2014- L (UD12) vs. #12 Carlos TakamNext Fight: 1/24/2015 – vs. #11 Odlanier SolisMaybe the third time will be the charm. Thompson-Solis II gets its 3rd intended date on January 24.11) Odlanier Solis (7-239)Last Fight: 3/22/2014- L* (SD12) vs. #13 Tony ThompsonNext Fight: UnknownSee Thompson’s notes, above.12) Deontay Wilder (7-87)Last Fight: 8/16/2014- W(RTD4) vs. Jason Gavern (UNR)Next Fight: 1/17/2015 – vs. #8 Bermane Stiverne See Stiverne’s notes, above.13) Chris Arreola (7-68)Last Fight: 5/10/2014- L (TKO6) vs. #12 Bermane StiverneNext Fight: UnknownArreola advised Boxingscene.com that he’s likely back in late January or February, and called out Antonio Tarver, as well.14) Malik Scott (7-16)Last Fight: 10/31/2014- UD10 #16 Alex LeapaiNext Fight: UnknownAfter an apparently dominant win over Leapai, Scott is probably back in the mix for some sort of big fight.15) Erkan Teper (7-69)Last Fight: 6/13/2014- RTD6 Newfel Ouatah (UNR)Next Fight:Unknown16) Antonio Tarver (2-2)Last Fight: 12/11/2014- TKO7 Johnathon Banks (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownTarver has recently challenged a comebacking David Haye.17) Bryant Jennings (1-22)Last Fight: 7/26/2014- W* (SD12) vs. Mike Perez (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownJennings is once again said to be in the running for a Klitschko shot. After barely and perhaps undeservedly getting by Mike Perez, I’m not sure that’s a natural fit at this stage.18) Artur Szpilka (1-7)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- W (UD10) vs. #11 Tomasz AdamekNext Fight: 1/31/2015- vs. Unknown OpponentSzpilka returned to camp just a week after the Adamek fight, as he is planning a return for January 31 in Torun, Poland.19) Mike Perez (1-22)Last Fight: 7/26/2014- L* (SD12) vs. Bryant Jennings (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownPerez looks like he’s on his way to a fight with Povetkin.20) Alex Leapai (1-1)Last Fight: 10/31/2014- L (UD10) vs. #20 Malik ScottNext Fight: UnknownTHE WEEK AHEAD: Merry Christmas!

In what has to be considered an upset, 46 year old Antonio Tarver easily handled whatever is left of the briefly relevant Johnathon Banks. To Tarver’s credit, he chose his shots well and set them up nicely, and it was the best he looked since he was campaigning at light heavyweight. On the other hand, Banks put forth a pathetic joke of a performance. He only threw about 2 punches the whole fight that had any sort of intent behind them, and was dropped by Tarver before the fight was stopped on the ropes in the 7th.

Unbeaten prospect Gerald Washington needed less than half a round to knock out journeyman Mike Sheppard, a Tarver knockout victim from 2013. Sheppard was down twice in the 86 seconds the fight lasted.

Meanwhile, fellow undefeated American prospect Dominic Breazeale took *gasp* over a full minute longer to get rid of his own journeyman opponent, Epifanio Mendoza of Colombia. This can be attributed to the fact that Mendoza is a generally competent operator in the ring, having spent some time in the top 50 at 175 and below. He’s just a lot smaller, and thus similarly had no chance. Like the bigger and less skilled Sheppard, though, Mendoza fell twice in the short fight.

Earlier that day in Moscow, 38 year old one loss…prospect…Alexander Ustinov kinda wasted a significant portion of what little time might be left for him to make a move in the division by fighting morbidly obese journeyman Chauncy Welliver. The only video I could find of it was edited significantly, but even if I assume Welliver did well in the parts that were cut out, it’s hard to imagine he won a round. But an 8-round decision over a guy like Welliver is no great accomplishment, especially for a guy looking to presumably make one last push toward a title. As for his performance, I guess it might be about as expected. He’s obviously very big- enough so to keep his opponent domesticated and timid- but his hands are slow and his technique robotic enough to prevent him from putting together combinations to any effect, or even generating the concussive power necessary to stop a relatively durable guy like Welliver. I can’t say I was overly impressed.

6’7″ Polish steroid cheat Mariusz Wach is evidently looking to make up for lost time after his suspension and accompanying 2 year layoff, as he stepped into the ring for the second time since October, this time scoring a stoppage in 6 over faded former gatekeeper Travis Walker, who has now lost 6 in a row.

Tarver makes his debut in the heavyweight rankings at #16. Banks would have been ranked around #20 at the time of the fight if not ineligible for inactivity, but the loss prevents him from returning to the list. Unfortunately for the division, he’s probably still in the top 25, though. At 46, it may be that Tarver is the oldest fighter to ever make his debut in the top 20 of a given division. I don’t have data to back that up, though. Alex Leapai is bumped from the rankings after 55 consecutive weeks, and everyone else ranked #16 and below drops a slot.

Dan’s Top 20 (Weeks in current position-weeks in top 10 (if applicable)-weeks in top 20)Champ: Wladimir Klitschko (286-499-499)Last Fight: 11/15/2014- KO5 #5 Kubrat PulevNext Fight: UnknownKlitschko plans to make his next defense on April 25. Bryant Jennings appears likely. That sounds undeserved, until you hear the other name that was being mentioned- Shannon Briggs. Fury now has a mandatory position at some point, as well.1) Tyson Fury (44-44-44)Last Fight: 11/29/2014- RTD10 #6 Dereck ChisoraNext Fight: UnknownFury’s win over Chisora was stunningly easy. Frankly he dominated by a lot more than did Vitali Klitschko when he met Chisora, and so the now eventually mandatory match-up with Wlad is looking more and more intriguing. Anthony Joshua is also being discussed, though Fury himself seems to strongly prefer the former.2) Alexander Povetkin (29-373-373)Last Fight: 10/24/2014- KO10 #7 Carlos TakamNext Fight: UnknownPovetkin’s finishing skills were quite impressive, but it might be a bit worrisome that he was clearly getting outboxed by Takam for a good chunk of the fight. With the win, he now figures to eventually become the mandatory for the winner of Wilder-Stiverne. His team seems to want Tyson Fury, though, which would be amazing.3) Vyacheslav Glazkov (29-40-104)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- TKO7 Darnell Wilson (UNR)Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #9 Steve CunninghamWith Main Events behind both fighters, you could almost see this one coming. Glazkov will take on Steve Cunningham, likely on NBC Sports, in March.4) Amir Mansour (37-37-37)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- KO7 Fred Kassi (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownMansour’s power was brought to bear on the mediocre Kassi, who did a good job of hanging in there- perhaps for longer than most expected while losing every round.5) Kubrat Pulev (44-137-214)Last Fight: 11/15/2014- L (KO5) vs. Champ Wladimir KlitschkoNext Fight: UnknownBack to the drawing board for the Bulgarian. He at least mounted an attack. That’s more than some challengers can say.6) Carlos Takam (3-28-48)Last Fight: 10/24/2014- L (KO10) vs. #2 Alexander PovetkinNext Fight: UnknownTakam found the ceiling on his rise to the top in #2 Povetkin. He actually appeared more than a match for the Russian early in the fight, but couldn’t hang in the later rounds.7) Dereck Chisora (3-159-222)Last Fight: 11/29/2014- L (RTD10) vs. #1 Tyson FuryNext Fight: UnknownChisora apparently doesn’t want to leave the bad taste in his mouth from his last performance, as he is reportedly planning to fight again on February 28. He is also said to be splitting from trainer Don Charles.8) Bermane Stiverne (28-32-94)Last Fight: 5/10/2014- TKO6 #13 Chris ArreolaNext Fight: 1/17/2015- vs. #12 Deontay WilderStiverne-Wilder is finally set for January 17 at the MGM Grand in Vegas, it would appear.9) Steve Cunningham (28-104-104)Last Fight: 10/18/2014- W (RTD7) vs. Natu Visinia (UNR)Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #3 Vyacheslav GlazkovSee Glazkov’s notes, above.10) Tony Thompson (28-39-238)Last Fight: 6/6/2014- L (UD12) vs. #12 Carlos TakamNext Fight: 1/24/2015 – vs. #11 Odlanier SolisMaybe the third time will be the charm. Thompson-Solis II gets its 3rd intended date on January 24.11) Odlanier Solis (6-238)Last Fight: 3/22/2014- L* (SD12) vs. #13 Tony ThompsonNext Fight: UnknownSee Thompson’s notes, above.12) Deontay Wilder (6-86)Last Fight: 8/16/2014- W(RTD4) vs. Jason Gavern (UNR)Next Fight: 1/17/2015 – vs. #8 Bermane Stiverne See Stiverne’s notes, above.13) Chris Arreola (6-67)Last Fight: 5/10/2014- L (TKO6) vs. #12 Bermane StiverneNext Fight: UnknownBad news for Arreola fans- he’s reportedly pulled out of a planned December 11 return due to an elbow injury. Elbow surgery is what he was trying to come back from in the first place.14) Malik Scott (6-15)Last Fight: 10/31/2014- UD10 #16 Alex LeapaiNext Fight: UnknownAfter an apparently dominant win over Leapai, Scott is probably back in the mix for some sort of big fight.15) Erkan Teper (6-68)Last Fight: 6/13/2014- RTD6 Newfel Ouatah (UNR)Next Fight:Unknown16) Antonio Tarver (1-1)Last Fight: 12/11/2014- TKO7 Johnathon Banks (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownI doubted Tarver’s ability to succeed at heavyweight, let alone at his age. So far, so good, though. It will be interesting to see how he shows against someone psychologically capable of throwing a punch now and then.17) Andy Ruiz (1-56)Last Fight: 10/25/2014- TKO1 Kenny Lemos (UNR)Next Fight: 12/20/2014- vs. Sergei Liakhovich (UNR)Ruiz has rescheduled his planned October fight with faded former contender Liakhovich for December 20.18) Bryant Jennings (1-21)Last Fight: 7/26/2014- W* (SD12) vs. Mike Perez (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownJennings is once again said to be in the running for a Klitschko shot. After barely and perhaps undeservedly getting by Mike Perez, I’m not sure that’s a natural fit at this stage.19) Artur Szpilka (1-6)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- W (UD10) vs. #11 Tomasz AdamekNext Fight: 1/31/2015- vs. Unknown OpponentSzpilka returned to camp just a week after the Adamek fight, as he is planning a return for January 31 in Torun, Poland.20) Mike Perez (1-21)Last Fight: 7/26/2014- L* (SD12) vs. Bryant Jennings (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownPerez is reportedly working with famed trainer Robert Garcia.THE WEEK AHEAD:ThursdayKyotaro Fujimoto vs. Daniel Radeff; Tokyo, Japan; TV UnknownFujimoto is a borderline top 50 fighter, but pretty clearly the best heavyweight in Japan for what that’s worth. His key accomplishment was outpointing pumped up, light hitting middleweight Nobuhiro Ishida in April. Before that, he took a TKO loss in 2012 to fairly mediocre Kiwi slugger Solomon Haumono. Opponent Radeff, to be perfectly blunt, is a French nobody. Not only does he sport a 5-8-2 record, but he’s also a small cruiserweight in reality. Fujimoto is probably not a world beater by any stretch, but Radeff’s only practical hope in this one is if the Japanese fighter breaks his leg tripping over his fallen opponent.

Saturday#17 Andy Ruiz vs. Sergei Liakhovich; Phoenix, Arizona; Unimas (US) Ruiz will finally, I assume, get around to his long anticipated (for lack of a better term) fight with shopworn former contender Liakhovich. It was delayed from an original date in September for a family issue. Liakhovich is a sight better than Ruiz’s lone opponent in the interim, Kenny Lemos, but he’s a shell of his former self, to be sure, and I’m not sure he’ll last much longer than did the morbidly obese Lemos.

Kiwi prospect Joseph Parker took care of business in Auckland Saturday, pulling off a highlight-reel knockout of Brazil’s Irinea Beato Costa, Jr. I only saw the highlights, but it looked like Costa was similarly passive and defensive as when he fought Christian Hammer 5 weeks ago. The difference is that Parker has put-away power and Hammer does not. The fight ended in the 4th round after Parker put Costa on his back.

Fringe contender Francesco Pianeta escaped with a too close for comfort decision win over cruiserweight journeyman Ivica Bacurin. Considering there is no video of the fight available online, you could look at the 116-112 (x2), 115-113 cards a few different ways. Either a) Pianeta, as the huge favorite, got the benefit of the doubt and escaped from a fight he potentially lost, b) Bacurin got the the benefit of the doubt from the hometown judges in an underwhelming performance that Pianeta still clearly deserved to win, or c) the judges called it right, and Pianeta had a bad night that wasn’t bad enough to actually see him lose. In any case, it obviously doesn’t do much for Pianeta’s career at this stage, at least not in the eyes of a reasonable observer.

No changes this week.

Dan’s Top 20 (Weeks in current position-weeks in top 10 (if applicable)-weeks in top 20)Champ: Wladimir Klitschko (285-498-498)Last Fight: 11/15/2014- KO5 #5 Kubrat PulevNext Fight: UnknownKlitschko plans to make his next defense on April 25. Bryant Jennings appears likely. That sounds undeserved, until you hear the other name that was being mentioned- Shannon Briggs. Fury now has a mandatory position at some point, as well.1) Tyson Fury (43-43-43)Last Fight: 11/29/2014- RTD10 #6 Dereck ChisoraNext Fight: UnknownFury’s win over Chisora was stunningly easy. Frankly he dominated by a lot more than did Vitali Klitschko when he met Chisora, and so the now eventually mandatory match-up with Wlad is looking more and more intriguing. Anthony Joshua is also being discussed, though Fury himself seems to strongly prefer the former.2) Alexander Povetkin (28-372-372)Last Fight: 10/24/2014- KO10 #7 Carlos TakamNext Fight: UnknownPovetkin’s finishing skills were quite impressive, but it might be a bit worrisome that he was clearly getting outboxed by Takam for a good chunk of the fight. With the win, he now figures to eventually become the mandatory for the winner of Wilder-Stiverne. His team seems to want Tyson Fury, though, which would be amazing.3) Vyacheslav Glazkov (28-39-103)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- TKO7 Darnell Wilson (UNR)Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #9 Steve CunninghamWith Main Events behind both fighters, you could almost see this one coming. Glazkov will take on Steve Cunningham, likely on NBC Sports, in March.4) Amir Mansour (36-36-36)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- KO7 Fred Kassi (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownMansour’s power was brought to bear on the mediocre Kassi, who did a good job of hanging in there- perhaps for longer than most expected while losing every round.5) Kubrat Pulev (43-136-213)Last Fight: 11/15/2014- L (KO5) vs. Champ Wladimir KlitschkoNext Fight: UnknownBack to the drawing board for the Bulgarian. He at least mounted an attack. That’s more than some challengers can say.6) Carlos Takam (2-27-47)Last Fight: 10/24/2014- L (KO10) vs. #2 Alexander PovetkinNext Fight: UnknownTakam found the ceiling on his rise to the top in #2 Povetkin. He actually appeared more than a match for the Russian early in the fight, but couldn’t hang in the later rounds.7) Dereck Chisora (2-158-221)Last Fight: 11/29/2014- L (RTD10) vs. #1 Tyson FuryNext Fight: UnknownChisora apparently doesn’t want to leave the bad taste in his mouth from his last performance, as he is reportedly planning to fight again on February 28.8) Bermane Stiverne (27-31-93)Last Fight: 5/10/2014- TKO6 #13 Chris ArreolaNext Fight: 1/17/2015- vs. #12 Deontay WilderStiverne-Wilder is finally set for January 17 at the MGM Grand in Vegas, it would appear.9) Steve Cunningham (27-103-103)Last Fight: 10/18/2014- W (RTD7) vs. Natu Visinia (UNR)Next Fight: 3/14/2015- vs. #3 Vyacheslav GlazkovSee Glazkov’s notes, above.10) Tony Thompson (27-38-237)Last Fight: 6/6/2014- L (UD12) vs. #12 Carlos TakamNext Fight: 1/24/2015 – vs. #11 Odlanier SolisMaybe the third time will be the charm. Thompson-Solis II gets its 3rd intended date on January 24.11) Odlanier Solis (5-237)Last Fight: 3/22/2014- L* (SD12) vs. #13 Tony ThompsonNext Fight: UnknownSee Thompson’s notes, above.12) Deontay Wilder (5-85)Last Fight: 8/16/2014- W(RTD4) vs. Jason Gavern (UNR)Next Fight: 1/17/2015 – vs. #8 Bermane Stiverne See Stiverne’s notes, above.13) Chris Arreola (5-66)Last Fight: 5/10/2014- L (TKO6) vs. #12 Bermane StiverneNext Fight: UnknownBad news for Arreola fans- he’s reportedly pulled out of a planned December 11 return due to an elbow injury. Elbow surgery is what he was trying to come back from in the first place.14) Malik Scott (5-14)Last Fight: 10/31/2014- UD10 #16 Alex LeapaiNext Fight: UnknownAfter an apparently dominant win over Leapai, Scott is probably back in the mix for some sort of big fight.15) Erkan Teper (5-67)Last Fight: 6/13/2014- RTD6 Newfel Ouatah (UNR)Next Fight: 12/13/2014- vs. Johann Duhaupas (UNR)Teper will apparently be defending his European title against France’s Johann Duhaupas in Germany on December 13.16) Andy Ruiz (5-55)Last Fight: 10/25/2014- TKO1 Kenny Lemos (UNR)Next Fight: 12/20/2014- vs. Sergei Liakhovich (UNR)Ruiz has rescheduled his planned October fight with faded former contender Liakhovich for December 20.17) Bryant Jennings (5-20)Last Fight: 7/26/2014- W* (SD12) vs. Mike Perez (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownJennings is once again said to be in the running for a Klitschko shot. After barely and perhaps undeservedly getting by Mike Perez, I’m not sure that’s a natural fit at this stage.18) Artur Szpilka (5-5)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- W (UD10) vs. #11 Tomasz AdamekNext Fight: 1/31/2015- vs. Unknown OpponentSzpilka returned to camp just a week after the Adamek fight, as he is planning a return for January 31 in Torun, Poland.19) Mike Perez (14-20)Last Fight: 7/26/2014- L* (SD12) vs. Bryant Jennings (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownPerez is reportedly working with famed trainer Robert Garcia.20) Alex Leapai (6-55)Last Fight: 10/31/2014- L (UD10) vs. #20 Malik ScottNext Fight: UnknownIt looks pretty clear now that Leapai’s win over Boytsov was more about Boytsov’s shortcomings than Leapai’s quality.

THE WEEK AHEAD:ThursdayAlexander Ustinov vs. Chauncey Welliver; Moscow, Russia; TV UnknownWe saw what Welliver is bringing to the table these days just a matter of weeks ago against Lucas Browne. I guess for those of you interested in comparing Browne to Ustinov (a hobby that’s all the rage these days, I’m sure), you’ll get a treat in this one.

Johnathan Banks vs. Antonio Tarver; Temecula, California; ESPN2 (US)Tarver has been out of the ring a little over a year, and hasn’t been in the ring against anyone half-decent in over 2 1/2. He looked kinda stiff-legged and old the last time around. Not only that, but it’s kind of an open question as to when the last time he was in against someone half-decent without the help of steroids. The last time he was in against a half-decent heavyweight was, at best, 4 years ago, assuming you count Nagy Aguilera. These facts don’t bode well for him against Banks who, while he did lose his last fight almost 18 months ago to a guy that was later stopped in one by Chris Arreola, is at least something like a fringe contender at or around his prime in his early 30s. On the bright side, Banks could probably still make cruiserweight, so he may give Tarver one of his better shots as among notable heavyweights.

Gerald Washington vs. Mike Sheppard; Temecula, California; ESPN2 (US)Remember when I mentioned Tarver’s last fight and implied it wasn’t against a half-decent opponent? Washington is fighting that same guy on the undercard. Not sure if this will make TV on a deep card.

Dominic Breazeale vs. Epifanio Mendoza; Temecula, CA; ESPN2 (US)In another fight that might not make the telecast, former Olympian Breazeale looks to showcase his power against a 39 year-old Colombian journeyman who could last have been called anything better than that, if you’re being charitable, about 5 years ago at light heavyweight. His glory days as a low-level gatekeeper were really at middleweight and 168, though.

FridayMariusz Wach vs. Travis Walker; Radom, Poland; TV Unknown Wach takes a step towards getting back in contention. His last opponent in October was a durable but unskilled journeyman. Walker is 35 and clearly past his prime after 5 straight losses, but he was a top 50 fighter less than 2 years ago and is a halfway decent name for Wach to build upon, if nothing else.

#1 Tyson Fury on Saturday seemingly put his rivalry with the even more controversial Dereck Chisora to rest permanently. Going into the fight, there were many who believed an in-shape Chisora might be able to beat Fury, despite the clear decision a fat and lazy Chisora had dropped back in 2011. This time, Chisora came in at a respectable 241.5 lbs. That’s not absolutely tip-top shape for him, but it’s similar to his size against Helenius and Klitschko, and almost 20 pounds less than his first fight with Fury. All in all, you have to say he was ready for the fight at least in terms of weight. But if he was improved since the 2011 version of himself, you’d have to say Fury has improved a great deal more. Fury was able to control him virtually with nothing but the jab, and Chisora couldn’t remotely get inside to do any kind of work. Having been reduced to the occasional lunging attempt, Chisora finally gave up and retired in his corner after 10 one-sided rounds.

On the undercard, Eddie Chambers continued his very slow-burning comeback attempt by dropping and stopping 8-3 novice Dorian Darch in the 3rd round of a scheduled 8. The fight didn’t make the telecast, so that’s all I can tell you.

The proper ranking of Chisora as compared to Carlos Takam is very tricky. Neither guy has ever lost to anyone ranked below #2 unless that guy was still on his way to that ranking or higher. Both have beaten top 10 fighters. Takam’s triumph over Tony Thompson was a lot more recent than Chisora’s clear but stolen win over Helenius in 2011, though Helenius at #4 was ranked significantly higher than #9 Thompson. The rest of the resumes favor Chisora for quantity and Takam for quality. The deciding factor, though, is Takam’s comparatively recent success, and he therefore slips by Chisora to #6, despite his own recent defeat at a similar level. He did show a lot better against Povetkin than did Chisora against Fury, though.

Dan’s Top 20 (Weeks in current position-weeks in top 10 (if applicable)-weeks in top 20)Champ: Wladimir Klitschko (284-497-497)Last Fight: 11/15/2014- KO5 #5 Kubrat PulevNext Fight: UnknownKlitschko plans to make his next defense in the Spring. Bryant Jennings has been mentioned. That sounds undeserved, until you hear the other name being mentioned- Shannon Briggs. Fury now has a mandatory position at some point, as well.1) Tyson Fury (42-42-42)Last Fight: 11/29/2014- RTD10 #6 Dereck ChisoraNext Fight: UnknownFury’s win over Chisora was stunningly easy. Frankly he dominated by a lot more than did Vitali Klitschko when he met Chisora, and so the now eventually mandatory match-up with Wlad is looking more and more intriguing.2) Alexander Povetkin (27-371-371)Last Fight: 10/24/2014- KO10 #7 Carlos TakamNext Fight: UnknownPovetkin’s finishing skills were quite impressive, but it might be a bit worrisome that he was clearly getting outboxed by Takam for a good chunk of the fight. With the win, he now figures to eventually become the mandatory for the winner of Wilder-Stiverne. His team seems to want Tyson Fury, though, which would be amazing.3) Vyacheslav Glazkov (27-38-102)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- TKO7 Darnell Wilson (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownAn easy stoppage win for Glazkov over Wilson will hopefully be a quick confidence boost after he struggled mightily against mediocre opposition last time around.4) Amir Mansour (35-35-35)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- KO7 Fred Kassi (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownMansour’s power was brought to bear on the mediocre Kassi, who did a good job of hanging in there- perhaps for longer than most expected while losing every round.5) Kubrat Pulev (42-135-212)Last Fight: 11/15/2014- L (KO5) vs. Champ Wladimir KlitschkoNext Fight: UnknownBack to the drawing board for the Bulgarian. He at least mounted an attack. That’s more than some challengers can say.6) Carlos Takam (1-26-46)Last Fight: 10/24/2014- L (KO10) vs. #2 Alexander PovetkinNext Fight: UnknownTakam found the ceiling on his rise to the top in #2 Povetkin. He actually appeared more than a match for the Russian early in the fight, but couldn’t hang in the later rounds.7) Dereck Chisora (1-157-220)Last Fight: 11/29/2014- L (RTD10) vs. #1 Tyson FuryNext Fight: UnknownChisora looks to now rebuild from easily the worst performance of his career.8) Bermane Stiverne (26-30-92)Last Fight: 5/10/2014- TKO6 #13 Chris ArreolaNext Fight: 1/17/2015- vs. #12 Deontay WilderStiverne-Wilder is finally set for January 17 at the MGM Grand in Vegas, it would appear.9) Steve Cunningham (26-102-102)Last Fight: 10/18/2014- W (RTD7) vs. Natu Visinia (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownDespite some scary moments with the much bigger relative novice Visinia, Cunningham ultimately took care of business.10) Tony Thompson (26-37-236)Last Fight: 6/6/2014- L (UD12) vs. #12 Carlos TakamNext Fight: 1/24/2015 – vs. #11 Odlanier SolisMaybe the third time will be the charm. Thompson-Solis II gets its 3rd intended date on January 24.11) Odlanier Solis (4-236)Last Fight: 3/22/2014- L* (SD12) vs. #13 Tony ThompsonNext Fight: UnknownSee Thompson’s notes, above.12) Deontay Wilder (4-84)Last Fight: 8/16/2014- W(RTD4) vs. Jason Gavern (UNR)Next Fight: 1/17/2015 – vs. #8 Bermane Stiverne See Stiverne’s notes, above.13) Chris Arreola (4-65)Last Fight: 5/10/2014- L (TKO6) vs. #12 Bermane StiverneNext Fight: UnknownBad news for Arreola fans- he’s reportedly pulled out of a planned December 11 return due to an elbow injury. Elbow surgery is what he was trying to come back from in the first place.14) Malik Scott (4-13)Last Fight: 10/31/2014- UD10 #16 Alex LeapaiNext Fight: UnknownAfter an apparently dominant win over Leapai, Scott is probably back in the mix for some sort of big fight.15) Erkan Teper (4-66)Last Fight: 6/13/2014- RTD6 Newfel Ouatah (UNR)Next Fight: 12/13/2014- vs. Johann Duhaupas (UNR)Teper will apparently be defending his European title against France’s Johann Duhaupas in Germany on December 13.16) Andy Ruiz (4-54)Last Fight: 10/25/2014- TKO1 Kenny Lemos (UNR)Next Fight: 12/20/2014- vs. Sergei Liakhovich (UNR)Ruiz has rescheduled his planned October fight with faded former contender Liakhovich for December 20.17) Bryant Jennings (4-19)Last Fight: 7/26/2014- W* (SD12) vs. Mike Perez (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownJennings is once again said to be in the running for a Klitschko shot. After barely and perhaps undeservedly getting by Mike Perez, I’m not sure that’s a natural fit at this stage.18) Artur Szpilka (4-4)Last Fight: 11/8/2014- W (UD10) vs. #11 Tomasz AdamekNext Fight: 1/31/2015- vs. Unknown OpponentSzpilka returned to camp just a week after the Adamek fight, as he is planning a return for January 31 in Torun, Poland.19) Mike Perez (13-19)Last Fight: 7/26/2014- L* (SD12) vs. Bryant Jennings (UNR)Next Fight: UnknownPerez is reportedly working with famed trainer Robert Garcia.20) Alex Leapai (5-54)Last Fight: 10/31/2014- L (UD10) vs. #20 Malik ScottNext Fight: UnknownIt looks pretty clear now that Leapai’s win over Boytsov was more about Boytsov’s shortcomings than Leapai’s quality.

THE WEEK AHEAD:SaturdayJoseph Parker vs. Irineu Beato Costa Jr.; Hamilton, New Zealand; TV UnknownIf there’s one criticism you can’t lob at Costa, it’s that he’s not busy enough. He is back in against one of the world’s top prospects just 5 weeks after a lifeless performance against Christian Hammer in which he won zero rounds on any of the three cards. He had been undefeated to that point. But in no time flat, he’s embraced his new life as a travelling opponent. At least he might be the kind of guy that can give a beast like Parker some rounds.

Francesco Pianeta vs. Ivica Bacurin; Budapest, Hungary; Magyar TV (Hungary)I’ve previewed this fight before, back before it was postponed from a November date due to Pianeta getting a case of the flu. Here’s what I said then: Bacurin is a career-long journeyman who pretty much always loses to the guys you’ve heard of or soon will, and pretty much always beats the guys you’ll never hear about. Pianeta is the former. Unfortunately for Bacurin, he’s also a natural cruiserweight, while Pianeta is a big heavyweight. Hard to like the chances of the underdog in this one.